A list of dos and don’ts on what to wear when presenting the news has been leaked in an email.

The message, sent by BBC editor Sam Smith, will certainly surprise BBC viewers.

Ms Smith, who is editor of BBC's Inside Out South West show - started the email: “The below is my view based on long experiences of getting it wrong and very occasionally right both reporting and presenting... this is a starting point for a conversation so pitch in with your own thoughts.

"This is a minefield of PC pitfalls.”

She goes on to say the starting point for women reading the news is a “smart jacket”, WalesOnline reports .

With hair, female staff are recommended shoulder-length styles. Sam explains: “I wore mine below shoulder length for years. It was a nightmare and required a ridiculous level of attention. Shoulder length and above is easier to cope with.”

But rather surprisingly on the list, M&S brand Per Una makes an appearance. Sam tells staff in the email: “No cardies. Even the very nicest ones in real life look too casual on TV. Avoid Per Una.”

MirrorOnline reached out to the BBC for a comment. A spokesperson said: “This informal advice was shared with a small number of staff who appear onscreen about what does and doesn't work on camera or under TV lighting."